Tilapia with Peanut Sauce
A rich and flavorful dish featuring pan-fried tilapia served with a creamy, savory peanut sauce. This dish is often enjoyed with rice or fufu, showcasing the Ivorian love for hearty, flavorful sauces.
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 medium Tilapia fillets(about 150-200g each)
- 200 g Peanut butter(unsweetened, smooth or crunchy)
- 400 g Tomatoes(canned crushed or pureed)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely chopped (optional, for heat))
- 250 ml Vegetable broth or water
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tsp Thyme(dried)
- 1 Bay leaf
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp Lime or lemon juice
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the tilapia fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a little vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and pan-fry the fish until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- 2
In the same skillet (add more oil if needed), sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the crushed tomatoes, thyme, bay leaf, and chopped scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- 4
In a separate bowl, whisk the peanut butter with the vegetable broth or water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the simmering tomato sauce, stirring well to combine. Reduce heat to low.
- 5
Let the peanut sauce simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and the flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaf.
- 6
Gently place the pan-fried tilapia fillets into the peanut sauce. Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 7
Stir in the lime or lemon juice just before serving. Serve the tilapia with peanut sauce hot, typically with steamed rice, attieke, or fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the peanut butter is well-incorporated into the sauce to avoid lumps.
- ✓Simmer the sauce on low heat to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, especially salt and spice level.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Use other firm white fish like sea bass or snapper.
- Add some chopped peanuts for texture.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or okra into the sauce.